The field days opening was delayed slightly from its 12.30pm schedule because fog in Mildura and Broken delayed some people, including local member Peter Crisp who came from Broken Hill by road in the morning.

Fog on the silver City highway restricted vision south of Broken Hill to less than 100 metres while air service at Mildura were delayed throughout the day by 10 to 30 minutes in bother departures and arrivals.

Field Days co-ordinator Jo Clutterbuck said the first day crowd while down slightly on last year, the number who came was very good in relation to the adverse weather which had been predicted by weather authorities for the first day of the annual two day event.

Field Days co-ordinator Jo Rodda said that today’s event had many attractions for families and a good crowd is expected.

Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Nationals Barnaby Joyce will be making a one hour visit to the Field Days site and is expected to make a horticultural announcement during his time with local farmers at the Field Day site.

Mr Joyce will be at the Field Days stage at 9.30am.

Site awards and the awards for the best quality dried fruit will be announced and presented at around 2.30pm.

Ms Rodda said that there were two entrances to the site this year and there was ample car parking available at the back of the Field Days site.